GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 78
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that environmental problems are too big for individuals to solve, while others think that the government cannot solve these environmental problems unless individuals do something about it.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
Environmental issues have sparked off an intense debate on whether individuals or the government can solve the grave problems. Many opine that these problems are enormous for individuals to tackle, yet others opine that governments cannot curb this environmental chaos without individuals’ efforts. In this case, I put forward the notion that a holistic approach is needed so as to fight environmental damage.
Environmental issues cannot be solved by individuals alone because the overwhelming number of environmental hazards we face, including greenhouse effects, mass extinction of species, water pollution, soil erosion, global warming and others, are the consequences of the global revolution of industrialization and our greedy behaviours for a luxurious lifestyle. Therefore, handling environmental issues is far beyond the scope of individual effort. To curb it, we need strict laws in place and massive budgets which is out of the scope of individuals.
On the contrary, the government alone cannot solve the planet’s biggest issue. In simple words, individuals should avoid cars whenever possible, use energy-efficient home appliances, reduce the use of plastics and plant trees. Only then the governments will be able to harness the catastrophic effect of environmental damage.
However, in my opinion, environmental problems have multifarious dimensions and can be addressed by adopting holistically all kinds of stakeholders such as governments, individuals, international communities, civil societies and activists. This is because the problem is actually a global phenomenon and without collaborative efforts, there is no effective solution to it.
In conclusion, individuals or the government alone cannot combat the environmental crisis as it is an international issue. Therefore, mass people, governments and international organizations have their own roles to play in order to grapple with environmental issues.
Model Answer 2:
Environmental issues have become a crucial problem for the world in recent years, and there are varying opinions on the responsibility of individuals and governments to address these problems. Some individuals hold the belief that environmental problems are too vast and complex for individuals to solve alone, while others assert that governments alone cannot tackle these problems without the active involvement of individuals. In this essay, both views will be examined. In my opinion, however, both parties need to take measures to address this issue.
On one hand, those who believe that environmental issues are too critical for individuals to address alone argue that the scale of the problem requires a collective effort, beyond the capacity of individuals. For instance, issues such as air pollution and climate change cannot be resolved by individuals alone, as they require large-scale changes in industrial practices and transportation policies. Moreover, individuals may not have the necessary knowledge or resources to address environmental problems effectively.
On the other hand, some people think that governments alone cannot solve environmental issues without the cooperation of individuals. They opine that the government’s efforts will be fruitless if individuals do not take any action to protect the environment. For instance, governments can only do so much to control carbon emissions, but individuals must also take measures such as reducing energy consumption, using public transportation, and adopting eco-friendly lifestyles.
In my view, both individuals and governments have a responsibility to tackle environmental problems. Individuals must take action to minimize their carbon footprint by adopting sustainable lifestyles and reducing their consumption of non-renewable resources. Simultaneously, governments must also take necessary actions such as enacting strict environmental regulations and supporting green technology. It is only when individuals and governments work together that the environment can be protected, and the consequences of environmental issues can be minimized.
In conclusion, environmental issues are a serious concern that requires the joint efforts of both individuals and governments to be resolved. It is through collective efforts that we can protect the environment and secure a sustainable future.